In America, yoga is often advertised as a relaxing 90-minute workout that will give you a model’s abs and a circus performer’s flexibility. But true yoga is much more than just a just a workout. The yoga lifestyle also includes breath exercises (pranayamas), purification exercises (kriyas) and much, much more.

Even if your practice is limited to yoga poses, however, the body-mind health benefits are many (see below). And the following Do’s and Don’ts will help you choose a yoga class that’s right for you.

Benefits of Yoga

A good yoga routine offers many benefits, including:

• Peace of mind
• An ability to relax and center oneself
• Much lower likelihood of injury and sprains
• Greater flexibility
• Increased strength
• Improved posture
• Improved sleep

Yoga Do’s

The following tips will help you get the most out of your yoga practice:

• Do find a class with a respected instructor. While instructional videos and websites can be a great supplement to one’s yoga practice, a good teacher will ensure you build habits that are healthy and safe.
• Do research the different styles of yoga (ashtanga, hatha, iyengar, kundalini, etc.) and pick one that sounds like a good fit for you.
• Do wear loose, comfortable clothes.
• Do pay close attention to your body as you perform yoga poses. Notice your breath, your heartbeat and your muscles. Yoga is a practice of awareness.

Yoga Don’ts

Ensure that your practice is healthy and hazard-free by following these guidelines:

• Don’t overexert yourself.
• Don’t eat before practice.
• Don’t compare yourself with others in the class—your practice belongs to you and you only.
• Don’t give up if it seems hard at first. Your body probably won’t be used to some of the positions you’re being introduced to. Just be patient and take your time.
• Don't practice the poses before you know what you are doing. Improper practice can lead to strain or injury.

One Step Further

Once you’ve found a class you like, stick with it. You’ll soon discover that the rewards of a dedicated yoga practice go far beyond that of the average workout. For more information, see Related Tips & How-Tos.